A 46-year-old Blountstown man arrested earlier this year for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced.

William Kevin Simmons, 46, has entered a plea of no contest to charges of sexual battery while in a position of authority. He was sentenced to 17 years in state prison, followed by five years probation.

According to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, Simmons' wife contacted the girl's mother with concerns about her daughter who often visited the Simmons home. Simmons' wife had reportedly found some text messages on his phone that made her suspicious. The girl's mother questioned her about her relationship with Simmons, leading to the teen disclosing she began having sexual encounters with Simmons over a year ago with an estimated 10 encounters occurring up until January 2012.

Several pieces of evidence were collected from Simmons' SUV and from an area where he allegedly took the teen parking for sexual encounters. The items have been sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for processing. A search warrant was also obtained for Simmons' phone, as well as the teen's phone.

Simmons was contacted by Inv. Michael Bryant Jan. 10 and agreed to provide a statement. However, when Inv. Bryant attempted to call him back two days later to set up the interview, Simmons' phone was disconnected or the number had been changed. Simmons' attorney called authorities this week and advised Simmons would surrender. He turned himself in at the Calhoun County Jail Thursday.